What type of amps are there

Modeling amps are programmed to mimic characteristic tones of different existing amplifier models, genres, and even decades of music. Some are built to be programmable; with USB connection to alter settings to reflect your personal tone preferences. The benefit of modeling amps is that you can use a wide range of different tones, all on one amplifier.

Every musician has preferences for what they want their music to sound like. Guitarists take pride in their tone, and a lot of that comes from the amplifier they choose.

Our advice is to try some out before you buy one. Most music stores will let you test drive an amp and give you some guidance on what to look for. Musicians who have the interest and time to learn how to make adjustments can learn the basics from videos and instructionals found online. But, those without a knack for tinkering should seek professional technicians for even minor repairs. The owner, Paul Webb is in the shop most afternoons. He specializes in amplifier repair, but has a wide range of knowledge on a variety of musical subjects.

If you have an amp question, Paul can answer it, or tell you where to find out. If you are interested in learning more about electric instruments and amps, sign up for lessons with one of our teachers! Articles Printables Recommendations Playlists. Amps: Tube vs. Solid State vs. TUBE AMPS Guitar tube amps get their name from the vacuum tube, a glass tube that contains electrodes for controlling current flow in a gas-free space.

Visitor Information Reporting Allow this website to collect visitor and device info for statistical purposes. Tube amps are the oldest type of guitar amp, which use old-school technology to generate great-sounding tones and warm distortion. Tube amps are still the most sought-after amps among guitar players. Fender Twin Reverb pictured above.

As the name says, it uses vacuum tubes to amplify the guitar signal, in the same way tubes were used in other industries, for amplifying all kinds of devices that work on frequencies below the microwaves. Some of the most common devices are military radars, UHF television transmitters, high-power radio, etc. Despite the rudimental technology and numerous drawbacks, these are still the most desired amps among guitar players. The main and probably the only reason is the tone.

Simply, no other amp can deliver the feel a tube amp gives to guitar players. Also, the tone is warmer compared to other amp types, especially overdrive. Every tube amp features two amplifying sections. The first one is called preamp and it amplifies the signal to a level that can drive the power stage. This section also changes the natural guitar tone, as it usually comes with an equalizer, overdrive, and a few more effects.

The second section is called the power amp and it drives the loudspeaker, producing the sound. The problem with tube amps is that you will have to sacrifice a lot of things to get a superior guitar tone.

Tube amps are the least reliable. Also, tube performance deteriorates over time, so you will have to replace them occasionally. Another typical issue of tube amps is the fact that you have to crank them up all away to get that genuine tube tone.

Considering that these amps are very loud, this makes them not very practical for smaller events or home practice. Fortunately, this issue can be solved with a power attenuator like Bugera PS1. Or, you can purchase a low-wattage tube amp, such as Blackstar HT-1R.

Due to superior sound quality, high-end amps usually use vacuum tubes. Fender Twin Reverb is one of the most popular choices among professionals. Solid-state guitar amps are very practical and can provide very clean tones. They are lighter, more reliable, and more affordable than tube amps. However, some may find their sound a bit uninspiring.

Will you be gigging with it, or is it likely never to leave your home? Will you like the ability to jump from one amp voicing to another, or are you perfectly happy with one tone?

Do you plan to record with it? Digital amps are far easier to record with than many tube amps. Therefore avoid tube amps. Are you most bothered about the tone? Do you want to sound like the guitar greats? Amps are pretty easy to shift, so you can always sell it on if you grow tired of it after a while.